Leicester City’s decision to scour the market could see one of their Premier League rivals miss out on a considerable transfer fee.
The Foxes have made just the one signing so far this window. Woyo Coulibaly joined Leicester City from Parma for around £3 million.
The French full-back predominately plays on the right — the same position one of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s earlier targets plays.
Southampton open to Kyle Walker-Peters sale
Having targeted Kyle Walker-Peters earlier in the window, Van Nistelrooy hoped to bring the Southampton full-back to the King Power for the second half of the season.
Leicester City were put off by Southampton’s valuation, though. And as we know now, the Foxes opted against pursuing the 27-year-old and instead pursued Coulibaly.
However, after so far failing to find a buyer, Southampton remain keen to offload their number two before the window closes.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the Saints are still welcoming offers of between £8 – 9 million for Walker-Peters.
Despite this, Leicester City are unlikely to reignite their interest after signing an alternative.
Plenty of options at right-back
Following Coulibaly’s signing, Van Nistelrooy now has plenty of options at right-back — even with Ricardo Pereira currently out with a hamstring injury.
James Justin has so far been the Foxes’ first-choice on the right-hand side but Coulibaly’s arrival will now provide some much-needed cover and competition.
Although Walker-Peters would’ve been a good addition, it’s very unlikely Van Nistelrooy will push for another right-back addition. There just isn’t the need and with Coulibaly considerably cheaper, it seems the Foxes came out of the saga with the better deal.